Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 4 years and 5 months old | 85 lbs
Hello. Would you please describe the difference in symptoms between a pinched nerve, muscle strain and disc issues in a dog's neck? Thank you very much
1 Answer
Published on May 29th, 2019
I am sorry Taurie is not feeling well. However, a nerve/muscle or disc issue can look very similar in a dog. Typically they have range of motion issues with the neck and shoulder regions. If taurie is having any neurologic changes like knuckling that is more consistent with a disc injury. I typically recommend an x-ray of the neck to make sure nothing looks abnormal. If the x-ray is normal and no neurologic signs are detected try cage rest and pain medication. A ruptured disc is diagnosed by a CT or MRI so it is often a secondary choic. hope that helps
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